2002 Toyota Tacoma complaints

MY TACOMA WAS RECALLED 2 YEARS AGO FOR FRAME RUST. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS OK + UNDERCOATED IT TO PREVENT FUTURE RUSTING. ALL THAT UNDERCOATING IS FALLING OFF. THAT CAN ONLY BE DUE TO IMPROPER APPLICATION OR FAULTY PRODUCT. THE DEALER THAT APPLIED THE PRODUCT (FERRIS TOYOTA) SAYS THE PRODUCT IS FAULTY + THEY'VE SEEN IT MANY TIMES. THEY'VE ALSO CONFIRMED THE SAME WITH OTHER DEALERSHIPS. TOYOTA, OTOH, SAYS THERE'S NOTHING WRONG. IF THE FRAME DOESN'T NEED UNDERCOATING, THEN WHY'D THEY DO IT? ARE THEY SUGGESTING IT WORKS WHEN 50% HAS FALLEN OFF? THIS IS THE SAME VEHICLE WHICH IS NOW BEING RECALLED FOR SPARE TIRES FALLING OFF ON THE HIGHWAY + MY EMERGENCY BRAKES HAVE BEEN SEIZED WITH CORROSION SINCE I'VE OWNED THE TRUCK. I'VE CONTACTED TOYOTA MANY TIMES + THEY REFUSE TO PUT THEIR CORRESPONDENCE IN WRITING, BUT THE REPRESENTATIVE, TIFFANY BISHOP, SAYS SHE TYPES A TRANSCRIPT OF OUR CONVERSATIONS, JUST WON'T GIVE ME COPIES. SHE ALSO CALLS FROM A PHONE WITH A BLOCKED NUMBER. WHAT KIND OF BULL IS THIS? THESE VEHICLES ARE OBVIOUS HAZARDS ON THE ROAD + TOYOTA IS PLAYING GAMES INSTEAD OF MAKING SERIOUS EFFORTS TO MAKE THE VEHICLES SAFE. PLEASE BRING THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF SOMEONE AT TOYOTA OTHER THAN [XXX], I AM FINISHED CORRESPONDING WITH HER! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE ENTIRE FRAME WAS COVERED WITH RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE A RUST UNDER COATING WAS APPLIED TO THE FRAME. TWO YEARS LATER, THE FRAME EXHIBITED SEVERE RUST AND CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,871. UPDATED 01/18/13*LJ UPDATED 01/24/13

10/22/2012 RECENTLY HAD OCCASION TO LOOK AT THE FRAME ON MY TRUCK, IT IS RUSTED THROUGH IN MANY SPOTS MAKING VEHICLE UNSAFE, 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA, APPARENTLY I MISSED SOME "COURTESY" FRAME PROGRAM. I AM STUCK WITH A 10,000.00 TRUCK THAT I CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX AND TOYOTA HAS SAID THAT THEY WILL NOT OFFER ANY HELP.I THINK THIS NEEDS TO GO BEYOND A "COURTESY " RECALL, WITH THE LARGE AMOUNTS OF THESE TRUCKS ON THE ROAD IN UNSAFE CONDITIONS NEW YORK STATE HAS FORCED AN EXTENSION OF THIS PROGRAM, TRAFFIC SAFETY SHOULD FORCE A RECALL AS THERE ARE THOUSANDS OUT THERE IN THIS SHAPE BY TOYOTAS OWN ADMISSION I WOULD LIKE REPAIRS OR FAIR MARKET VALUE. *TR

THE LOWER BALL JOINT FELL OFF THE TRUCK...THIS IS THE 3RD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IN 11 MONTHS...ONCE ON THE RIGHT SIDE AND TWICE ON THE LEFT...THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE FOR THE VERY ISSUE THAT HAS HAPPENED...AND I BOUGHT IT UNDER WARRANTY SEPTEMBER 2005 FROM TOYOTA, EVANS TOYOTA FORT WAYNE INDIANA...I HAVE SUBMITTED A CLAIM FOR REPAIRS AND DAMAGES TO TOYOTA BUT THEY REFUSED TO HONOR IT...THE TRUCK WAS UNDER RECALL WHEN I BOUGHT IT AND THEY NEVER TOLD ME...I HAVE ALL MY CLAIM AND REPAIR DOCUMENTATION...IT IS A WONDER NO ONE WAS KILLED THE WHEEL JUST COMES OFF WHILE DRIVING...I AM AFRAID THAT THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN AND I OR SOMEONE ELSE WILL BE KILLED...THE WHEELS ARE NOT SUPPOSE TO COME OFF THIS TRUCK.... *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE BALL JOINT HAD FAILED, SIMILAR TOTHE DEFECT LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V225000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 220,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHASSIS WAS PREMATURELY RUSTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHICH CONFIRMED THAT THE CHASSIS WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 176,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS SEVERELY CORRODED, HAD HOLES IN IT, AND WAS SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND WAS GOING TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHEN THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE FRAME WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED THAT THE VIN QUALIFIED FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V225000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT) BUT THE RECALL WAS EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,000.

2002 TOYOTOA TRUCK, LOST CONTROL AND HIT MY FORD S/W, TRUCK WAS ON RECALL FOR BALL/JOINTS , BOTH ME AND WIFE WAS HURT BY THIS UN INSURED DRIVER, DRIVER WAS CITED FOR WRONG TURN INTO MY LANE, I LOST BOTH MY CAR AND MY HEALTH, WHAT CAN I DO TO RECOVER DAMAGES FROM A UNINSURED TRUCK AND DRIVER? *JS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE MECHANIC STATED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE THE FRAME WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED IT WAS CAUSED BY SCALING AND NOT RUSTING THERE FOR THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIRS. THE DEALER REFUSED TO PROVIDE A LETTER STATING THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 161,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR AN INSPECTION. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS RUST ON THE LEAF SPRINGS AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO BE DRIVEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 128,500.

WHILE DRIVING AWAY FROM MY HOUSE AT 5MPH, AT NIGHT IN THE RAIN, APPROXIMATELY 200 FEET FROM MY DRIVEWAY AND JUST AFTER A SPEED BUMP, I HEARD AND FELT A LOUD NOISE, LIKE DRIVING OVER A CONCRETE BLOCK. I STOPPED THE TRUCK AND USING A FLASHLIGHT SAW THAT THE WHEEL WAS BENT AT AN ANGLE AND THE LOWER BALL JOINT WAS COMPLETELY SHEARED OFF. HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK TO GET IT OUT OF THE ROAD AND BACK TO OUR DRIVEWAY. *TR

2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. CONSUMER STATES IN 2010 WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE BACKYARD, THE LEFT WHEEL AXLE BROKE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENED ON JULY 1, 2011, ONLY IT HAPPENED ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE TIRE TWISTED AND THE TRUCK SKIDDED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. *JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO BE EXAMINED WHEN HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRAME UNDER THE VEHICLE WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000. UPDATED 09/02/11*LJ UPDATED 2/9/12 *CN

RUSTED OUT REAR DIFFERENTIAL - 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. *TR

THE SECOND TOYOTA TACOMA I HAVE OWNED IN ONE YEAR FAILED ON 02/28/2011. BOTH FRAMES FAILED DUE TO RUST. BOTH PROBLEMS WERE DISCOVERED DURING A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE. TOYOTA BOUGHT BACK THE FIRST TRUCK LAST SUMMER, SO I DECIDED TO BUY ANOTHER LATER MODEL TACOMA. THE SECOND TACOMA PROBLEM OCCURRED ON A LIFT AT AUTO CHOICE IN DERRY NH. THE TRUCK BENT IN HALF WHEN THE LIFT WAS RAISED. THE MECHANIC HAS BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR 30 YEARS AND HAD NEVER SEEN SUCH A THING. LUCKILY, HE WAS NOT UNDER THE TRUCK AND FORTUNATELY I WAS NOT DRIVING THE TRUCK FOR MY FRAME REPLACEMENT APPOINTMENT THE NEXT DAY. IRA TOYOTA TOWED THE VEHICLE AND GAVE ME A LOANER. I AM TOLD THAT THEY WILL REPLACE THE ENTIRE FRAME . IN TALKING TO MY FATHER, MECHANIC FRIENDS AND LEGAL FRIENDS AN ISSUE KEPT COMING UP - IF THE FRAME IS THAT CORRODED, IT WOULD FOLLOW THAT PARTS ATTACHED TO THE FRAME WOULD BE CORRODED AS WELL. THIS PRESENTS AN ALARMINGLY SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM. I WOULD ADD THAT THERE SHOULD BE AN IMMEDIATE INVESTIGATION INTO THE SAFETY OF THIS PROCEDURE AS WELL AS A MEDIA REQUIREMENT MADE THAT TOYOTA RUN ADVERTISEMENTS ON TV, RADIO AND PRINT WARNING THE PUBLIC ABOUT THIS SERIOUS ISSUE. MY TRUCK LOOKS IMMACULATE AND HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. HAD I NOT DONE AN OIL CHANGE, THE OUTCOME WOULD HAVE BEEN MUCH DIFFERENT. I CAN THINK OF NO OTHER COMPONENT IN A MOTOR VEHICLE THAT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAT THE FRAME, IT HOLDS EVERYTHING TOGETHER AND SUPPORTS EVERYTHING. THIS ISSUE NEEDS IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. IRA TOYOTA IS THE

ABS LIGHT CAME ON WENT OFF THEN CAME BACK ON AND STAYED ON. TOYOTA TOOK THREE HOURS TO FIGURE IT OUT. ABS CONTROL MODUAL ( ABS CPU )

2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. CONSUMER STATES AS HE ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE FELL APART WHILE DRIVING. AXLE DUG INTO THE STREET CAUSING THE BALL JOINTS TO SEPARATE FROM THEIR KNUCKLE SLEEVES. SUSPENSION FELL APART DAMAGING THE VEHICLE. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE ONLY THING HOLDING THE TIRE TO THE VEHICLE WAS THE BRAKE LINE. THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED HIS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL. *JB

SEVERELY RUSTED FRAME AND UNDERCARRIAGE COMPONENTS. INCLUDING THE GAS TANK SKID PLATE, HAD TO REPLACE REAR BUMPER ALREADY AS WELL. ALSO HAD TO WIRE UP THE SKID PLATE SO IT WON'T FLY OFF INTO SOMEONE'S WIND SHIELD. BROUGHT IT TO A DEALER IN MARCH AND THEY INSPECTED IT AND SAID ALL IT NEEDED WAS PAINT, SO THEY PAINTED IT. NOW JUST 8 MONTHS LATER AND THE SKID PLATE IS ABOUT TO FALL OFF! JUST WAITING FOR MY BRAKES TO FAIL SOME DAY. *TR

THE BALL JOINTS AND SUSPENSION ON MY 2002 TOY TACOMA FELL APART WHILE MAKING A ROUTINE TURN ONTO MY STREET! THE BALLJOINTS SEPARATED AND THE FRONT AXLE DUG INTO THE STREET, THE ONLY THING HOLDING THE WHEEL TO THE VEHICLE WAS THE BRAKE LINE! HAD THIS HAPPENED 5 MINUTES EARLIER IT WOULD HAVE BEEN ON THE FREEWAY DOING 65 MPH INSTEAD OF IN A RESIDENTIAL TRACT DOING 20 MPH! *TR

WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE TRUCK ENGINE BEGAN TO THUMP. TOWED TRUCK TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WHERE THE FIRST DAY THEY SAID INTERNAL ENGINE FAILURE, THE NEXT DAY THEY SAID ENGINE OIL PUMP FAILURE. THE OIL LIGHT INDICATOR NEVER CAME ON BEFORE AND AFTER THE INCIDENT. I HAD AN OIL CHANGE FROM ANOTHER TOYOTA DEALERSHIP ON NOVEMBER 30TH. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A RIGHT TURN WHEN THE FRAME FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE, LEAVING THE WHEEL CONNECTED BY THE BRAKE LINE ONLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS PLACE OF RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THAT YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V225000-SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT) BUT THE RECALL DID NOT INCLUDE HIS VIN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, HE HEARD A LOUD POP WHILE TURNING RIGHT AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER. HE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE DISCONNECTED FROM THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND FOLDED BENEATH THE PASSENGER SIDE FENDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT RECALL 05V225000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM: LOWER BALL JOINT) DID NOT INCLUDE HIS VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 88,000.

2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING- LETTER TO THE SECRETARY FROM RE TOYOTA PROBLEM *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED IN A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT AND IT WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN THAT SERIOUS, HAD HE BEEN ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL WHICH CAUSED HIM TO JUMP THE CURB AND CRASH INTO A BRIDGE. *JB

AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT HAS BEEN FLASHING FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS . THIS IS A 2002 TACOMA EXTENDED CAB PICK-UP TRUCK WITH 56K MILES. DEALER SAYS $200.00 TO DIAGNOSE. COSTS TO REMEDY AIRBAG PROBLEM COULD BE AS MUCH AS $500.00 TO $600.00, PERHAPS MORE. DEALER STATES AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY BUT IS NOT SURE OF WHAT IS REALLY THE PROBLEM UNTIL THE DIAGNOSIS IS COMPLETED. MY QUESTION IS; WHY THIS PROBLEM WITH A TRUCK WITH LOW MILEAGE AND TAKEN TO DEALER SINCE NEW FOR ALL REQUIRED MAINTENANCE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE THROTTLE SUDDENLY LOCKED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKES, WHICH DID NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY TO SLOW THE VEHICLE. HE TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 178,000.

TL. THE CONTACT OWNS A KUHMO MOHAVE A/T TIRES ON A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE SIDE WALL OF THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE COLLAPSED WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH. THE CONTACT CHANGE THE TIRE AND TOOK THE TIRE TO A DEALER. THE DEALER EXAMINE TO THE TIRE AND STATED THE TIRE FAILED WITH NO OTHER DEFECTS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TIRE UNDER THE TIRE WARRANTY. THE CONTACT STATED HE DOES NOT FEELS SAFE WITH THE CURRENT TIRES ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000. JO

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING OUT OF A CURVE IN THE ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE WHEEL SUDDENLY DISENGAGED AND ROLLED UNDERNEATH THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND THEY INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE LOWER BALL JOINT. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V225000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT). THE LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURE CAUSED OTHER DAMAGES TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 156,0000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION DUE TO EXTREME BUMPER AND FRAME RUST. THE DEALER PERFORMED A SAFETY INSPECTION ON THE VEHICLE YET IT DID NOT PASS. THE DEALER ADVISED THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED AT NO COST TO THE CONTACT HOWEVER, THE REPAIR WOULD TAKE MONTHS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 56,360.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V225000 (SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM: LOWER BALL JOINT) FOR FRAME RUST AND CORROSION. THE VEHICLE FAILED THE MANUFACTURERS INSPECTION AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE FRAME AT NO COST TO THE CONTACT. THE FRAME WAS NOT AVAILABLE AT THE TIME AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT IT WOULD TAKE APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH TO OBTAIN THE FRAME AND THAT HE COULD CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL THAT TIME. THE CONTACT DID NOT BELIEVE IT WAS SAFE TO CONTINUE OPERATING A RECALLED VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 65,000.

THIS IS IN RESPONSE TO THE NEW TOYOTA RECALL ON THE SIENNA MINI-VANS SPARE TIRE. I OWN A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA, IN WHICH THE FRAME WAS RECENTLY REPLACED DUE TO RUST PERFORATION IN CERTAIN STATES. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND BACK IN 8/2007 I HAD A FLAT TIRE AND HAD TO CHANGE IT. THE SPARE TIRE RESIDES UNDER THE VEHICLE AND IS SECURED BY A CABLE. WHEN I WENT TO ACCESS THE SPARE, I NOTICED THE WHOLE CABLE AND THE SURROUNDING PIECES WERE SEVERELY RUSTED AND WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO SEPARATE THE TIRE FROM THE CABLE. AFTER HEARING ABOUT THE RECALL ON THE SIENNA FOR THE SPARE TIRE GETTING RUSTY, AND POSSIBLY FALLING LOOSE WHILE DRIVING, I REALIZED THAT MY TACOMA, AND POSSIBLY OTHER VEHICLES THAT USE THIS METHOD, AND ARE EXPOSED TO EXTREME CLIMATE CONDITIONS, COULD TRIGGER A SIMILAR EVENT. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE DRIVING AT 35MPH ON A WET SURFACE, THE CONTACT NOTICED A NOISE COMING FROM THE RONT END. MOMENTS LATER THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE STOPPED AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED DURING THE ACCELERATION THE BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE. NO ONE WAS INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED FOR THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE TOYOTA MANUFACTURER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT NO FAILURES COULD BE FOUND. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

MY EXPERIENCE WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION ON MY CURRENT AND PREVIOUS TOYOTA PICK-UP TRUCKS WAS NOT VERY GOOD. FIRST MY PREVIOUS, EARLIER MODEL 98 TOYOTA TACOMA 2WD MANUAL TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED AT ABOUT 55,000 MILES JUST PRIOR TO THE 60,000 MILE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY LIMIT. THE FAILURE HAPPENED AT THE SYNCHRONIZER FROM 4TH TO 5TH GEAR WHEN SHIFTING FROM NEUTRAL ACCORDING TO TOYOTA TECHNICIAN AT THE TIME. THE SAFETY ISSUE ON THIS IS THAT WHILE DRIVING AND ONE NEEDS TO SHIFT TO 5TH GEAR FROM NEUTRAL, ONE MAY HAVE DIFFICULTY SHIFTING AND THE TRANSMISSION COULD HAVE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE AND AT SUCH FREEWAY SPEED THE VEHICLE COULD SUDDENLY STALL, STOP AND MAY GO IN A TAILSPIN. PREVIOUS DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FROM REPAIRED THE TRANSMISSION PER THE WARRANTY. NOW I HAVE ANOTHER TOYOTA TACOMA PICK-UP 4X4 HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I TOOK IT TO THE A TOYOTA DEALER PREVIOUSLY SINCE IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY FOR POWERTRAIN AND AROUND 55,000 MILES BUT DEALER REFUSED TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE PROBLEM EVEN AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO GET THE PROBLEM CORRECTED. I INFORMED THEM THAT I HAVE A SIMILAR PROBLEM BEFORE AND THEY HAVE FIXED IT. BUT THIS TIME AROUND THEY REFUSED. I HAVE ATTEMPTED SEVERAL TIMES FROM SEP 2006 UNTIL JAN 2007 AND EVEN CALLED TOYOTA USA REPS ON THE ISSUE. I STILL OWN THE TRUCK AND TO GET AROUND THE SYNCHRONIZER PROBLEM, I HAVE TO DOWNSHIFT BACK TO 3RD, 4TH BEFORE I CAN GO BACK TO 5TH GEAR. THIS CAN CAUSE A LOT OF DISTRACTION WHILE DRIVING AND TO CON UNWITTING DRIVER U

EMERGENCY CABLE IS BROKEN. *TR

GAS TANK SHIELD SEVERELY RUSTED. UNDER SIDE OF GASTANK IS PROTECTED BY A SHIELD/SKID PLATE. IT IS RUSTED SO BADLY THAT WHEN HIT WITH A HAMMER THE HAMMER GOES RIGHT THROUGH. PRESUMABLY THIS SHIELD IS TO PROTECT THE GAS TANK FROM DEBRIS AND STONES ESPECIALLY IF THE TRUCK IS USED OFF ROAD. I DISCOVERED THIS AS I WAS INSPECTING THE UNDERSIDE OF THE TRUCK BEFORE DROPPING THE TRUCK OFF AT THE DEALER TO HAVE THE FRAME REPLACED. IN ADDITION TO THIS, IT IS APPARENT THAT THE DRIVE AXLE AND DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING ALSO HAVE SEVERE RUST. IF TAPPED WITH A HAMMER THE RUST COMES OF IN SHEETS. THE PARKING BRAKES ACTUATING LEVERS HAVE RUSTED IN PLACE AND CAN NO LONGER BE USED. THERE APPEARS TO BE MORE TO THIS RUST THAN SIMPLE FRAME RUST. THE RUST IS PERVASIVE THROUGH OUT THE UNDERSIDE OF THE TRUCK. *TR

I TOOK MY TACOMA FOR ITS 95000 MILE SERVICE, AND THEY DISCOVER MY SUB-FRAME WAS RUSTED OUT AND IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. MY TRUCK HAS GONE FOR SERVICE EVERY 5000 MILES FOR 7 YEARS AND NO ONE EVER NOTICED THE RUST. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT TOYOTA DOES NOT COVER THE SUBFRAME IN THEIR FRAME RUST PROBLEM. THE DEALER TRIED FOR 2 DAYS TO GET THEM TO INCLUDE THIS IN THEIR 2001-2004 RUST FRAME REPAIR OR BUY BACK PROGRAM. THEY REFUSE. WHY ISN'T THE SUB FRAME PART OF THE WHOLE FRAME. I BELIEVE THE SUB FRAMES SHOULD BE LOOKED AT. *TR

REAR BUMPER DECAY/STRUCTURE BREAKDOWN ON 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. UNSAFE IN CASE OF FROM THE REAR COLLISION. NOTICED START OF RUST/LOSS OF STRUCTURE IN 2/2006. *TR

MY MOTHER WAS RECENTLY INVOLVED IN A CAR WRECK WHERE SHE WAS HIT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. SHE WAS DRIVING A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA AND THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. SHE WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED IN THE WRECK. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT THIS. *TR

MY WIFE & I WERE TRAVELING INTO BAKERSFIELD, (WE'RE FROM ARVIN, CA) ALONG BEAR MT. BLVD. ON SAT. SEPT. 5, 2009 AROUND 4:00 P.M. AT ABOUT 60 MPH AND IT BECAME DIFFICULT FOR ME TO STEER. INSTEAD OF GOING ON THE FREEWAY, I DECIDED TO TAKE AN ALTERNATE RT. I CAME TO A STOP AND BEGAN TURNING LEFT AT APPROX. 5- 10 MPH & THE R FRONT TIRE FOLDED OUT & THE LOWER BALL JOINT SNAPPED. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS HURT. WE HAD TO HAVE THE TRUCK TOWED HOME. I ORDERED THE LOWER BALL JOINTS ON LINE SO I COULD REPLACE THEM. THIS IS BECAUSE WHEN I CONTACTED THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP THEY INFORMED ME THAT MY TRUCK WAS NOT ONE ON THE RECALL LIST FOR THIS DEFECTIVE PART. I AM FURIOUS. I BELIEVE TOYOTA IS LIABLE FOR MY DAMAGES. BEFORE THIS OCCURRED, I HEARD A FEW CLICKING & GRINDING SOUNDS & THOUGHT MAYBE MY POWER STEERING WAS GOING OUT. I HAD NO IDEA IT WAS BALL JOINT FAILURE, OR I WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN DRIVING IT. I HAVE MY OLD DEFECTIVE PARTS. I ALSO HAVE ANOTHER WITNESS TO THIS INCIDENCE BESIDES MY WIFE. HE LIVES ACROSS THE STREET FROM WHERE THIS OCCURRED & HEARD THE LOUD BOOM WHEN THE TRUCK HIT THE GROUND. I HOPE YOU LOOK INTO THIS MATTER, AS I WOULD HATE FOR SOMEONE ELSE TO EXPERIENCE WHAT WE DID. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR ROUTINE INSPECTION AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRAME AND MEMBERS HAD EXCESSIVE RUST. THE DEALER REPLACED THE O2 VALVE, BUT IT DID NOT REMEDY THE STRUCTURAL FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 100,000.

I RECENTLY RECEIVED A LETTER FROM TOYOTA ABOUT A FRAME RUSTING PROBLEM THEY ARE HAVING ON TACOMA TRUCKS BUILT BETWEEN 2001-2004. THE FRONT BUMPER ASSEMBLY ON MY TRUCK WAS REPLACED SOON AFTER I PURCHASED IT BECAUSE IS WAS RUSTING FROM THE UNDERSIDE. NOW THE REAR BUMPER IS RUSTING THROUGH FROM THE UNDERSIDE AS WELL. WHEN I CALLED TOYOTA ABOUT THEIR RECENT RECALL THEY SAID ONLY THE FRAME WAS INCLUDED IN THE PROBLEM, NOT THE BUMPERS. IT IS OBVIOUS TO ME THEY HAVE A RUST PROBLEM EVERYWHERE UNDER THE VEHICLE SINCE MY FRONT BUMPER RUSTED SO QUICKLY AND NOW THE REAR BUMPER IS ALSO RUSTING THROUGH FROM THE UNDERSIDE. I CALLED THE TOYOTA DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND THEY TOLD ME THE RECALL WAS JUST FOR RUSTING FRAMES. AS I STATED ABOVE, IT CERTAINLY APPEARS AS THOUGH THE RUST PROBLEM INVOLVES EVERYTHING UNDER THE VEHICLE. MY TRUCK IS A 2002 TACOMA AND IT HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT. LIVING IN SOUTHERN MARYLAND (21122), WE HAVE HAD VERY FEW INSTANCES OF SNOW/SALT IN OUR AREA SINCE I PURCHASED THE TRUCK AND I KEEP MY VEHICLE CLEAN AND ALWAYS USE THE UNDERCARRIAGE WASH WHEN GOING THROUGH THE CAR WASH. I BELIEVE TOYOTA DEFINITELY HAS A RUSTING PROBLEM AND SHOULD REPLACE MY REAR BUMPER AS THEY DID WITH THE RUSTING FRONT BUMPER ASSEMBLY. YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER IS APPRECIATED. *TR

EXCESSIVE TRUCK FRAME RUST, 02 TOYOTA TACOMA TRUCK, TOYOTA HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH 95-04 TACOMA'S WITH THE FRAMES RUSTING, SOME GETTING BAD ENOUGH TO BE A SAFETY CONCERN, WITH FRAME PERFORATION. MY TRUCK IS SHOWING THE EARLY SIGNS OF FRAME RUST, AND WILL EVENTUALLY GET TO THE POINT WHERE IT COULD BECOME A SAFETY ISSUE. I WANTED TO HAVE NHTSA COMPLAINT ON FILE IN CASE THE FRAME RUST PERFORATES THE FRAME. *TR

I LOST CONTROL OF MY TRUCK WHEN THE DRIVER FRONT TIRE DEFLATED. THIS OCCURRED AS I WAS TAKING AN OFF RAMP ON TO ANOTHER FREEWAY. THIS CAUSED ME TO BOUNCE OFF THE HOLLOW TUBES IN FRONT OF THE CONCERT DIVIDER. MY 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA WILL REQUIRE OVER $8K TO REPAIR. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED IN MY SINGLE CAB TRUCK. THE DAMAGE TAKEN WAS ON THE FRONT DRIVER FENDER/BUMPER (I HAVE PICTURES) CLEARLY THE AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED BUT FAILED. THIS CAUSED ME TO SLAM INTO THE STEERING WHEEL UPON IMPACT. *TR

I AM THE OWNER OF A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA, WHICH I HAVE BEEN INFORMED BY MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP, THAT THERE IS A REPURCHASE PROGRAM AVAILABLE. PROBLEM IS, I HAD MY TRUCK AT THE SHOP ON NOV 11, 2008, NOBODY HAS GOT IN TOUCH WITH ME, I WAS TOLD BY TOYOTA I WOULD HEAR SOMETHING IN 45 DAYS. FINALLY GOT THROUGH TO TOYOTA, NOW, THE REPURCHASE PROGRAM IS NOT AVAILABLE AS OF DECEMBER 2008. THEY ARE WANTING TO REPLACE MY ENTIRE FRAME. I HAVE ALOT OF SAFETY ISSUES WITH THIS BEING DONE, I FEEL THIS IS ENTIRELY UNACCEPTABLE. SO, FOR THE TIME BEING, I AM DRIVING WHAT IS CONSIDERED AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. OH, ONE PERSON SAYS IT IS SAFE, THE OTHER SAYS, IT IS DRIVABLE. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY HELP POSSIBLE WITH THIS ISSUE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE WITH TOYOTA, THEY NEED TO MAKE IT RIGHT BY THE CONSUMER. *TR

2002 TOYOTA TACOMA FRAME ROT TRUCK FRAME HAS ROTTED PREMATURELY AND TOYOTA IS BEING VERY DIFFICULT IN GETTING INFORMATION IN THE MATTER. HAVE REFUSED PROVIDE A LIST OF PARTS TO BE REPLACED ETC. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO INSPECT THE MAINFRAME UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE FRAME WAS RUSTED FROM ONE END TO THE OTHER. A TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVE ADVISED HIM TO HAVE THE METAL PLATES WELDED ON THE FRAME, INCLUDING THE SPRING HANGERS. THE SPRING HANGERS WERE UNSAFE BECAUSE THEY WERE ALSO RUSTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IF ANYTHING IS WELDED ON RUST, IT WILL NOT WORK. THE TOYOTA REPRESENTATIVE STATED THAT NOTHING ELSE COULD BE DONE TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.

I HAVE A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA WITH A RUSTED FRAME WHICH FAILED, BUT THE DEALERSHIP WROTE "OK TO DRIVE" ON MY SLIP. I ORIGINALLY BROUGHT MY VEHICLE IN FOR INSPECTION AT A PRIVATE AUTO SHOP ON 8/12/08 AND THEY TOLD ME TO GO TO A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP RIGHT AWAY TO GET MY FRAME INSPECTED. I WENT AND THE DEALERSHIP TURNED ME AWAY, I ASKED WHY AND THEY INDICATED THAT I DID NOT HAVE A CASE NUMBER. I CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY GAVE ME A CASE NUMBER AND CLOSED THE CASE THE NEXT DAY BECAUSE MY VEHICLE WAS OUTSIDE THE 95-00 RECALL YRS. I INSISTED THAT THEY HAVE MY VEHICLE INSPECTED BY TOYOTA AND ON 9/12/08 THE BOSTON REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE FAILED MY FRAME. PRIOR TO THAT IRWIN MOTORS IN LACONIA NH ALSO INSPECTED IT AND TOLD ME TO KEEP BUGGING TOYOTA BECAUSE THEY WILL DRAG THEIR FEET. THE DEALERSHIP HAS INDICATED TO ME THAT THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM FOR 01THROUGH THE 2004 YEAR FRAMES. TOYOTA INDICATES THAT THEY WILL NEGOTIATE A BUY BACK WITH ME BUT WILL NOT SEND ANY THING IN WRITING, THEY WILL NOT GIVE ANY TIME FRAME FOR RESOLVING OR EVEN NEGOTIATING THE BUY-BACK. I HAVE FRIENDS WHO ARE MECHANICS WHO INDICATE THAT TOYOTA SHOULD RECALL FROM 2001 TO 2004 AS WELL SINCE THE SAME FRAMES ARE BEING PRODUCED AND USED FOR THESE VEHICLE AS USED FOR THE 1995-2000 VEHICLES. I HAVE A NEWER TOYOTA AND THEY HAVE INDICATED TO ME THAT THEY WILL REPURCHASE MY VEHICLE AND BASED IT ON 100% KELLY BLUE BOOK ONLY. I BELIEVE THAT IF OTHERS HAVE RECEIVED A 150% BUY-BACK THAT THEY SHOULD EXTEND THAT OFFER TO ME AS I HAVE OWN

I OWN AN "02" TOYOTA TACOMA THAT WAS BUILT AND SENT TO ME IN THAT SAME YEAR. THE PROBLEM THAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED IS THAT THE A/C WENT OUT. I RARELY USE THE A/C IN THE SUMMER TIME, BUT I DO GET A LOT OF USE OUT OF THE HEATER IN THE WINTER. THE PROBLEM WAS NOT NOTICEABLE UNTIL I HAD THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY FOUR YEARS. I BEGAN TO SMELL A BURNING SMELL. ONCE SMOKE ACTUALLY CAME OUT OF THE VENTS. EVENTUALLY THE FUSE BURNT. I REPLACED IT AND THE A/C WORKED FOR A SHORT WHILE THEN THE FUSE BURNED AGAIN. I BEGAN USING THE A/C TO ATTEMPT TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM WITH THE A/C. IT RECENTLY STOPPED COMPLETELY AND I CAN HEAR THE FAN TICKING AS IT ROTATES. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND I DID NOTHING TO AGGRAVATE THIS SITUATION. I HAVE AND CONTINUE TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE DRIVERS' SIDE SHOULDER HARNESS. I CAN'T MOVE FREELY ONCE IT'S LOCKED IN. IT CATCHES AND KEEPS ME FROM MOVING FREELY. I JUST LOCKS ME DOWN AND I CAN'T REACH FOR ANY CONTROLS UNTIL IT EVENTUALLY RELEASES ME SO I CAN MOVE. IT SEEMS THAT ALL OF THIS OCCURRED AT DIFFERENT INTERVALS. I NEVER EXPECTED SUCH POOR QUALITY OF WORKMANSHIP FROM SUCH A TRUSTED AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURER. HAD I KNOWN OR HAD ANY IDEA THAT THIS WOULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN NO A/C, I WOULD HAVE TAKEN IT IN DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD. NOW I HAVE NO A/C AND AM NOT FINANCIALLY PREPARED TO PAY THE COST INVOLVED IN REPAIRING IT. I WILL THINK TWICE BEFORE I EVEN CONSIDER PURCHASING ANOTHER TOYOTA PRODUCT. I ALSO HAD ONE OF MY TAILGATE WIRE ROPE SU

RUSTED FRAME ON 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. TOOK IT TO HALTERMAN'S TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN JUNE 2006. DEALERSHIP SAID IT DOES NOT WARRANT RUST ON FRAME. WAS TOLD TO UNDERCOAT THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS UNDERCOATED AUGUST 2006. UNDERCOATING STARTED TO PEEL AWAY JANUARY 2007. NOW THE FRAME LOOKS AS IF IT'S STARTING TO RUST THROUGH. THIS IS A CONCERN TO ME BECAUSE I HAD A 1999 TOYOTA TACOMA THAT HAD TOTAL RUST PERFORATION IN FRAME JANUARY 2006. I SOLD IT FOR A THIRD OF IT'S KELLY BLUE BOOK RETAIL VALUE IN MARCH 2006 BEFORE TOYOTA IMPLEMENTED THEIR BUYBACK PROGRAM IN MARCH 2008 FOR 1995-2000 TACOMAS DISPLAYING RUST PERFORATION. I NOW SEE THE SAME SITUATION HAPPENING ALL OVER AGAIN AND TOYOTA WILL NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY. I AM BEGINNING TO BECOME AFRAID TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE IN FEAR OF THE FRAME BREAKING FROM UNDERNEATH ME. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 TOYOTA TACOMA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS EXAMINING HIS VEHICLE, HE NOTICED RUST HOLES IN THE BOTTOM OF THE FRAME AND ON THE GAS TANK SHIELD. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCES BEFOREHAND. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 37,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000. UPDATED 10/03/08 *BF UPDATED 10/06/08.*JB